Should I get my PPL first?

dman15333

Hi,
I am planning on going into a Fully Intergrated Pilot programme and for which you need a PPL,but would I be better off getting my PPL before I even start the Airliner Pilot Training, as it will be less to do when the time comes, or is it better to do it all together.

Thanks

troposphere

I am in the US and other posters will know better how it works in Europe but from a practical point getting your private out of the way seems like the most logical avenue to take in my opinion. Another thing to consider at least from my experience is that many people who have ambitions to be airline pilots either end up not finishing their private or quitting after receiving it. At least if you get your private out of the way you will have a better idea if you really want to do it.

saspeir

In one word - No.

On an integrated course you will be required to do it again. You may be discounted 20 hrs at the CFI's discretion but a PPL is costly.

It's a dilema 'cause how do you know if you're able for it all if you don't do it and it's a risk to delve 100% into an integrated course too. Even if you pay in installments the first installment is bound to be at least 10/15K, so if you drop out you can expect to pay that.

If I were you, take few lessons, maybe as far as solo and see how you get on. It's not for everybody so you'd want to make sure you're comfortable at it and able I suppose...

Lustrum

Can I ask for what FTO do you "need" a PPL for their "fully integrated" course? With a fully integrated course you don't actually get a PPL, but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

There are countless threads here, on Pprune and any other number of aviation forums about integrated and modular training, and so that no-one can claim you weren't warned, DO NOT PAY UPFRONT!!

Personally the first thing I would do is go for a trial flight to see if you like it or not, then I would book in for a Class 1 medical at the Aeromedical Centre in the Mater, then I would sit down and think long and hard about what route you are going to take, and do as much research as you can before you hand over any cash.

I'm not trying to turn you off, if you want to do this then definitely go for it, but make sure you have all the info before you do. The PTC thread might be a good place to start...

Xpro

Lustrum wrote: »

Can I ask for what FTO do you "need" a PPL for their "fully integrated" course? With a fully integrated course you don't actually get a PPL, but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

There are countless threads here, on Pprune and any other number of aviation forums about integrated and modular training, and so that no-one can claim you weren't warned, DO NOT PAY UPFRONT!!

Personally the first thing I would do is go for a trial flight to see if you like it or not, then I would book in for a Class 1 medical at the Aeromedical Centre in the Mater, then I would sit down and think long and hard about what route you are going to take, and do as much research as you can before you hand over any cash.

I'm not trying to turn you off, if you want to do this then definitely go for it, but make sure you have all the info before you do. The PTC thread might be a good place to start...

Oxfords modular waypoint course require PPL but not integrated.
I also never heard of an integrated course that requires the PPL. Its zero to hero:D

CharlieOscar

If I may echo some other responses:

A PPL will cost between €10k - €15k. You may find you only want to fly for enjoyment. If you are fixed on getting a career out of flying, I think you should look at the countless threads on boards.ie and you will realise that jobs at present are difficult to come by with a lot of pilots, fully qualified with their ATPL MEIR's and no job to go to.

Investing €70k in your future you really need to know what return you are going to get out of it. Are you only going to look for jobs in Ireland or are you worldwide flexible, cause if you are limited to one juristiction, then I think you will be joining a long queue ahead of you.

Why do the integrate route anyway. Modular makes more sense if you are currently working, go flying in the evening after work, you can fly every day of the week if you like as long as the weather is right.

Why not invest €15k in your PPL. When you have the PPL, go on and do your hour building and start studying for your ATPL's. It will be much of a muchness by the time you have all CPL & ATPL's anyway

bluecode

Clearly if a PPL is needed it's not a true integrated course under the rules that apply. It sounds more like an full time modular course which the school styles as 'integrated' as in, they integrate the modules. PTC, unsurprisingly called their course integrated for years before they actually ran a real integrated course as laid down by the JAA. They were the past masters of slick marketing of course as we see now. I remember talking to one of their students who would not take on board that he wasn't on an integrated course. Clearly he hadn't done his research very well.

dman, what school are we talking about. Not PTC I hope!

Power Cord of Justice

May we ask where this integrated course is? And are you sure you need a PPL?

I'm thinking of doing an 18 month integrated course after my Leaving Cert (I'm 16) I've always wanted to fly I have researched it a little bit and have been reading pretty much every thread here for 2 years and posted every now and again (new account..and no I didn't get banned)

The thing is, I'm thinking of doing it here:
http://www.igrua.gov.in/Courses.htm

It's in India. It's about €40k right now with the current exchange rates but it could go up to €50k-€55k. Accomadation not included. You have to pay upfront but it's a government owned organisation and rather successful I believe.

I know what you're thinking, but I didn't pick that place cos I'm desperate or cos I'm looking for cheap places, my family is from India so I'm okay with being closer to home.

The application process starts around June and they need my LC results (Mimimum C in Maths and Physics with a pass in English). So I have to wait almost a year after my Leaving Cert. Soo still not entirely sure but it's my dream, I know most people with dreams to fly don't.

bluecode

Em, I'm sure it's a good course, if you want a flying job in India. But you'll need to convert it if you want an EASA licence to get a job in Europe. That means doing all the written exams and flight tests. With all the consequent conversion expenses. You won't save much money that way.

I have no idea of the reputation of Indian flight training but there have been problems with pilots getting airline jobs with faked experience. How this plays out with potential employers I don't know.

If your intention is to try and find work in India then go for it. But you may be closing doors on yourself beyond that.

Power Cord of Justice

bluecode wrote: »

Em, I'm sure it's a good course, if you want a flying job in India. But you'll need to convert it if you want an EASA licence to get a job in Europe. That means doing all the written exams and flight tests. With all the consequent conversion expenses. You won't save much money that way.

I have no idea of the reputation of Indian flight training but there have been problems with pilots getting airline jobs with faked experience. How this plays out with potential employers I don't know.

If your intention is to try and find work in India then go for it. But you may be closing doors on yourself beyond that.

Yeah I've read about the fake experience issue.
Thanks for your reply
I knew I'd have to work in India for some time after I get my CPL but a lifelong aviation career in India, even though it is growing rapidily, it's still far from pleasing.
I still have plenty of time to think about it

Lustrum

Like bluecode, I have no experience of Indian flying schools. Similar to getting an EASA one, with an Indian CPL maybe it's worth looking into the job prospects in India for when you're finished - you see all sorts of figures online about the amount of unemployed CPLs in India. Not that the prospects are any better at the moment in EASA-land, but it might be worth considering what options you will have once you're finished

Preset No.3

Loads of talk about courses and money etc....First things first, if you want to go down the professional route. Get your Class 1 medical! Sometimes there may be under laying issues that only come out in the medical.

lomb

Makes sense to crawl before you walk... Id do a ppl first to see if its for you.